Average Running Time For London Marathon

So, you’ve been thinking about the London Marathon. Maybe you’ve seen the crowds, or a friend posted a sweaty, smiling selfie at the finish. And now you’re wondering: what’s the average time for mere mortals? Let’s dive in, but keep it chill—no pressure, just curiosity.

The Big Number: What’s the Average?

For the general field (that’s us, not the pros), the average finish time in recent years hovers around 4 hours and 45 minutes. Yes, you read that right—nearly five hours of pounding pavement through London’s iconic streets.

But here’s the thing: that number is a bit of a trickster. It includes everyone from first-timers to seasoned club runners. Think of it as a blurry average—like saying the average person has one leg and one wing.

Why So Slow? (And Why That’s Cool)

Ever tried running 26.2 miles? It’s a bonkers distance. The London Marathon is famous for its festival vibe, not just speed. People stop for selfies with Big Ben, high-five strangers in gorilla suits, or grab a jelly baby from a kid on the curb.

Compare it to a pop concert: the headliner (the elite runner) finishes in two hours, but the crowd is there for the whole show. That 4:45 average? It’s the sweet spot of effort, fun, and a bit of suffering.

Let’s Get Specific: Men vs. Women

Okay, let’s break it down. For men, the average time usually lands around 4 hours 30 minutes. For women, it’s closer to 5 hours 10 minutes. Does that mean women are slower? Nope—it just reflects different demographics and training styles.

Think of it like this: the men’s group often includes more experienced runners, while women tend to jump in with less training but bigger hearts. The gap is shrinking every year, too. Progress is a beautiful, messy thing.

Runners Statistics from the 2017 London Marathon | Marathon infographic

The Age Factor: You’re Not Too Old (or Young)

Here’s a fun twist: the fastest average times come from runners aged 40–49. Yes, really. Those “midlife crisis” runners? They’ve got experience, patience, and maybe a coach who yells, “Pacing, not racing!”

Meanwhile, 20-somethings often run a bit slower because they go out too fast. Cue the dramatic faceplant at mile 22. It’s like comparing a tortoise that’s read the race manual to a hare that skipped the part about hydration.

Fun Comparisons to Make You Smile

Let’s put that 4:45 into perspective. It’s roughly the time it takes to watch two Marvel movies back-to-back, minus the popcorn. Or the time you’d spend in a traffic jam on the M25—except you’re moving, and the view is way better.

It’s also the average time to walk a full marathon (about 8.5 hours). So runners are basically twice as fast as walkers, but half as fast as a bike courier on a sugar rush. Not bad, right?

What About the Runners Who Finish in 3 Hours?

Oh, the sub-3-hour crowd? They’re like the unicorns of the marathon—shiny, rare, and a bit intimidating. Only about 5% of runners hit that mark. For reference, that’s rarer than getting a hole-in-one in golf.

Visualising London Marathon Strava Data

Don’t feel bad if you’re not one of them. Most of us are happy to finish before the charity runners start handing out free tea. And let’s be real: a 4:45 finish still beats a 0:00 DNF (Did Not Finish).

The Real Cool Part: It’s About the Journey

Here’s what the average time doesn’t capture: the huge range. Some people finish in 3:30 while dressed as a giant dinosaur. Others take 7 hours because they stopped for a pint at Mile 15. (Yes, that’s a real thing—the Wetherspoons stretch).

The London Marathon is less a race and more a city-wide party. The average time is just a number; the real magic is in the stories. So whether you run it in 4 hours or 6, you’re part of something epic.

So, Should You Aim for the Average?

Honestly? Who cares about average? The best time is the one that gets you to the finish line with a smile. If you’re training, set a goal that excites you, not one that matches a spreadsheet.

Remember: the average London marathon finisher is amazing—but you’re not average. You’re a human doing a bonkers thing for fun. And that’s way cooler than any time on a clock.